It took a while for DirecTV to join the party, but the digital satellite network figures to be just as welcome as anybody else.

The SEC and ESPN announced Monday that an agreement was reached with DirecTV to carry the SEC Network, which launches Aug. 14.

Combined with the other cable TV conglomerates already on board, the league's new network will reach an estimated 87 million homes.

The first football game on the SEC Network will be Aug. 28 when Texas A&M visits South Carolina.

The SEC Network will deliver at least 45 exclusive SEC football games this season.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said, "With opening day now firmly in sight, we are happy to count DIRECTV, the country's largest satellite provider, among our many distributors for the SEC Network. The SEC is home to the most passionate fans in college sports and I am pleased to have such a wide distribution by launch date for the benefit of SEC fans everywhere."

"The SEC boasts powerhouse athletic programs, especially in football, representing deeply loyal communities, many of which do not have any professional teams," DIRECTV's Chief Content Officer Day York said in a statement. "The depth of SEC competition and the quality ESPN brings to game production and complementary programming makes SEC Network a valuable addition to our sports programming lineup, and we're excited to bring it into our customers' homes and on their devices."

Added Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales, "Our agreement with DIRECTV continues to push the SEC Network towards one of the most successful network launches when it debuts on Aug. 14. We're proud to deliver the SEC Network nationwide via DIRECTV in advance of the Texas A&M and South Carolina game later this month."